Softlan has successfully raised RM 115,696.30 from its 2014 breast cancer awareness campaign, themed We Stand By You.
Held for the sixth consecutive year, We Stand by You aimed to further spread public awareness on breast cancer prevention amongst Malaysian women of all ages.

The campaign ran from September to October last year in conjunction with World Breast Cancer Awareness month where with every purchase of Softlan® fabric softener, 10 cents will be donated among the brand’s charitable partners.

The collection of RM 115,696.30 was presented by Peter Torrington, General Manager of Colgate-Palmolive, to Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA), National Cancer Council (MAKNA), and National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM).

During the cheque presentation, Torrington said,

“We are very pleased and thankful to our customers for their contribution which exceeded our commitment to fundraise a minimum of RM 100,000. We are grateful to have once again partnered with BCWA, MAKNA and NCSM to achieve a sense of fulfilment knowing these funds will aid research towards the betterment of cancer patients and survivors.”

During the ceremony, family members of breast cancer survivors shared their experiences on overcoming a changed reality after their loved ones were diagnosed with breast cancer. Mohammad Saleh Bin Hashim, husband of Leha Osman said that, “it was difficult to accept at first” but realizes that “the best way to deal with it is to have strong faith.”

“It was a devastating news and I honestly did not know what to do or how to react when Leha was first diagnosed. However, as a family, we ultimately decided that we need to be the supporting pillars of Leha in her battle against breast cancer,” Mohammad Saleh said.

During the period of the campaign, Softlan also co-sponsored an episode of the TV programme Bersamamu, which focuses on the life of Puan Jahlelawati as a stage 4 breast cancer patient. Puan Jahlelawati is an unemployed single mother with three children and is currently under the care of her 16-year-old daughter as well as her brother, who lives separately from her. Softlan donated a wheelchair and also a product hamper to help ease the burden of Puan Jahlelawati and her family. Softlan also brought her children to Legoland, Nusajaya for a fun day out.

To capture the fighting spirit and emotional journey family members of breast cancer patients go through, Softlan also hosted a Pink Day Out where the husbands and children of breast cancer patients prepared a specially customised ‘Pink menu’ to surprise their wives and mothers. The event that was held at Tropicana Golf and Country Resort hosted three families who have survived breast cancer.

“We Stand by You had a very personal touch, and to be able to treat these remarkable women for their triumph over cancer meant a lot to all of us. The campaign will return this year and we hope that Malaysians will continue to share their love and support as we continue spreading awareness about breast cancer,”added Torrington.

Over the past six years, Softlan’s breast cancer campaign has raised a grand total of RM 549,435.30 in contributions. The campaign focuses on combining support, care and experience to promote the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Throughout the month of October last year, Softlan and its charity partners brought their road shows to selected hypermarket locations where they provide free check-ups and learn more about breast cancer from doctors and trained nurses.